Exploring Administrators’ Perceptions of Light-Duty Assignment

Abstract

Through the lens of organizational justice, this study explored administrators’ perceptions of light-duty assignment in police agencies in Illinois. The majority consider light-duty assignment a necessary practice for modern police agencies, although opinions varied on the need for the formalization of policy, especially for off-duty injury or pregnancy. Qualitative analyses of administrators’ perceptions suggest financial and organizational challenges to maintaining light-duty policies, including the costs of overtime pay to cover injured officers’ shifts, the struggle to meet mandatory strength minimums, and malingering. The findings have important implications for officer well-being and morale, departmental administrative rule making, and community safety.